Justice Dept Wants Trial on Florida Voting Changes

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department is opposing changes in Florida voting procedures and says it wants a trial in the dispute, a move that could impact the state's August primary elections.

In court papers filed Friday night, Florida officials say they strongly oppose having a trial and noted that the federal court hearing the case in the District of Columbia wants sufficient time to issue a decision before the August primaries. The state is seeking court approval for changes that shorten the time for voter registration groups turning in registration forms to 48 hours and that narrow the time frame for early voting to prior to 10 days before an election day.

Florida says the court in Washington can decide the case on the basis of information already submitted in the lawsuit.